https://www.umnews.org/The latest news from the United Methodist News Service. UM News: Fair. Faithful. Trusted.enCopyright 2024 United Methodist Communicationsnewsdesk@umcom.org (Julie Dwyer)https://www.umnews.org/-/media/umc-media/2024/03/11/15/36/umnews-logo-1000px.png?h=367&w=1000https://www.umnews.org/60{9CF5EA1F-3F04-4BED-A8C3-151265BE4EDE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-urged-to-stop-looking-backwardIn a time of great instability and injustice, United Methodist Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone encouraged fellow church leaders to move beyond institutional anxieties and be formed anew as witnesses for Christ.Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:26:46 -0500{831FFC66-E822-4F5D-886A-667FF317332D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-court-overturns-bishop-funding-structureThe United Methodist Church’s top court has ruled unconstitutional some changes General Conference made that affect the funding of U.S. bishops. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:24:43 -0500{6DAE94DD-ECD1-4A18-A152-073F25B145B7}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/why-lawson-selected-yellin-as-his-co-authorThe relationship of veteran reporter Emily Yellin with civil rights leader the Rev. James Lawson began when Yellin was 5 years old.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:20:00 -0500{77EBE9FA-80E6-45F7-ADF4-316EBE797F64}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/secondary-school-transforms-lives-in-tanzaniaIts goal is to develop disciples of Jesus who are academically strong, rooted in faith, socially responsible and ready to serve beyond Tanzania’s borders.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:19:00 -0500{10FB1726-E158-4CE5-A83E-D56E8113143A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/the-heroic-life-of-the-rev-james-lawsonA new book documents the late United Methodist pastor’s prominent role working with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:08:00 -0500{8E9260B8-E912-429B-AEBB-8F2A437F1A95}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/dog-church-welcomes-people-and-petsA United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:23:43 -0500{275B332E-345A-4CC6-B0E6-5DF391EFD9D6}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/faith-and-hope-fuel-the-earthkeepersThe EarthKeeper movement within The United Methodist Church celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with over 450 commissioned EarthKeepers doing their best to make the environment safer for future generations.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:08:57 -0500{6D82B75B-552C-4617-97B7-AFD66ABE829D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-leaders-chart-new-future-for-bishopsAs they wait for a big decision by The United Methodist Church’s top court, church leaders say they are already collaborating like never before to strengthen the episcopacy.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:21:39 -0500{3C140CD4-B4F9-4B69-959C-EAB126350631}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/planners-shorten-gc2028-discuss-minneapolisOrganizers are pressing forward with holding the 2028 United Methodist General Conference over eight days in Minneapolis. The group is also taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:49:34 -0500{246E0D25-86F9-4835-9F9E-1C07D6D6B1CC}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-supports-congolese-refugees-in-burundiThe United Methodist Church, with support from UMCOR, provides vital infrastructure and food to the Musenyi camp, which has doubled its population because of ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:02:32 -0500{0E0FB2E3-E141-427D-9C4B-5DA272A042A1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/4-church-agencies-propose-unifying-into-oneFour general agencies — United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry — are making plans to become one. Legislation to unify the agencies will be going to General Conference.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:20:01 -0500{4F8BE3B3-BF9E-405C-ADBF-F4C6D19D0C7D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-high-school-launches-uniform-factoryThe United Methodist school’s initiative combines education and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for students, teachers and communities in Zimbabwe.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:05:00 -0500{18ED0745-B4DD-4882-A0F7-034053F07F01}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/clases-de-idiomas-en-iglesias-tienden-puentes-en-comunidades-de-idahoWith a ministry deeply rooted in music, Martínez helped to communicate the Gospel beyond language barriers. She died April 12 at age 86.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:37:30 -0500{CF25EE59-2397-42A3-9960-7400F7D8F139}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/grace-doesnt-grab-why-consent-belongs-in-worshipIf a sanctuary cannot honor a boundary, it cannot credibly preach liberation, writes Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue, artist-theologian in residence at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:42:48 -0500{D55FC9BC-D16F-44D2-B9B9-DBFB9BB94074}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/behind-prison-walls-expectant-mothers-encounter-graceUnited Methodists in Zimbabwe live out the command in Matthew 25 to visit, clothe and feed those who are imprisoned.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:15:00 -0500{DB584C58-C300-4FBB-B853-2F7D9E9991FE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-confront-iran-wars-impactWith the ceasefire on shaky ground and no deal in sight, United Methodists are praying for peace as they’ve done since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. They also are speaking out against disregard for human life.Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:54:52 -0500{6D2CA375-8147-41EA-9988-E21096878EAF}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-bishops-encounter-hope-in-ukraineThree European bishops traveled to western Ukraine to visit United Methodist congregations and meet people who have been living in war for years. The journey was about presence, solidarity and reminding people they have not been forgotten. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:18:00 -0500{1B07B644-8FED-4AD7-B5E7-367A5F73DF61}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-churches-should-know-about-miracle-sundayMiracle Sunday is a one-time offering on May 17 to raise funds intended to help United Methodist pastors in Africa, the Philippines and Europe get a theological education. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:18:16 -0500{BFC63483-F407-4CAD-8EBB-253235523E47}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/evangelism-efforts-flourish-in-southern-madagascarThanks to a $12,000 grant from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, a United Methodist church team conducted open-air campaigns and house-to-house outreach in four communities, distributed Bibles and built a shelter for worship.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:46:00 -0500{7F79CAA8-621D-4425-9AA4-8235BDEF3E83}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/around-the-table-a-church-finds-new-life-in-rural-wisconsinA small-town United Methodist church in rural Wisconsin embraces community outreach by serving meals, building relationships and redefining what it means to be church.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:36:00 -0500{67CAE491-C5F0-4A91-B031-1E286CFA1A17}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastors-wives-help-strengthen-ministry-in-east-congoThe East Congo Episcopal Area has provided training to help wives of United Methodist clergy become leaders and drive community development in rural areas.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:57:13 -0500{755062E5-36A3-4645-A4E2-B8C7860E0FBA}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/caucuses-seek-changes-to-2028-general-conference-plansA letter from the InterEthnic Strategy Development Group to the United Methodist Commission on the General Conference raises alarms about the increased presence of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:09:04 -0500{15DD04A3-F85E-47CE-B1DE-B5FD07A60516}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/black-caucus-wrestles-with-immigration-injusticeThe leader of Black Methodists for Church Renewal urged members gathered for the United Methodist group’s annual meeting to respond to current challenges in the church and society with “faith, compassion, justice and prophetic courage.” Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:55:19 -0500{ADE8B26E-E6FC-4650-BEB3-ADA93E9E2133}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/solar-oven-ministry-changes-livesUnited Methodist Solar Oven Partners promotes renewable energy and improves health in vulnerable communities in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone and the Navajo Nation.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0500{71A93989-B3E6-44AB-8CF1-118DA5258417}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/social-media-graphics-from-um-newsGraphic for Easter available to download and share on social media. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:52:00 -0500{313857D5-DE3A-4C1F-BB7D-45E489FCBCBD}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/stopping-anti-judaism-in-lessons-about-jesusStarting with Good Friday and into the Easter season, United Methodists and other Christians have new recommended Bible readings. The changes aim to halt the use of Scripture to justify persecution of Jewish people.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:15:15 -0500{2CA68D1B-45A2-46E7-9022-FE84377AA302}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-put-faith-into-action-on-palm-sundayChristians in 16 states began Holy Week by following in the footsteps of Jesus and standing up to injustice.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:02:04 -0500{A2EB9853-C63A-4B7C-AAC1-0DA37E994FBB}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/mapping-the-black-united-methodist-pilgrimageThe Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, a historian, details the long road — with some setbacks and detours — for Black Methodists to get full equality in the denomination. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:33:00 -0500{8EAF188B-648D-4C05-87DD-A8DF5EA7D522}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-victory-for-united-methodists-in-nigeriaThe country’s high court has ruled in favor of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, declaring the church’s deregistration by a breakaway group in 2024 “null and void.”Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:58:25 -0500{E643746D-5CFA-4ADD-9DAC-4D6046EA1364}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-march-on-palm-sundayChristians in some 30 cities and 16 states across the U.S. joined together to protest rising authoritarianism, racism and Christian nationalism.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:01:52 -0500{C0FB389C-1914-43B7-9002-E6474F0FF24A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/kumar-looks-back-on-helming-finance-agencyThe Rev. Moses Kumar, retiring after 17 years, shepherded the denomination’s finances during a tumultuous time. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:51:00 -0500{F5CEFE09-984A-470E-8AAD-D115E75C43CF}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/raquel-martinez-el-legado-de-una-inmigrante-al-metodismo-unidoHer accomplishments, including editing the Spanish United Methodist Hymnal, reflect the vital contributions of Latinas, immigrants to church music, education and mission.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:03:00 -0500{3ABB7D26-2279-4615-A41E-23091D15A376}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-hooked-on-fish-fries-tooBorrowing from Catholic tradition, United Methodists in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and New Mexico are preparing and serving hundreds of fish dinners on Friday nights throughout Lent. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:05:00 -0500{56E348B7-6406-4B64-8D42-11A7FA659187}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/celebrating-a-new-church-building-in-senegalAfter 18 years of worshipping in rented spaces and experiencing a collapsed roof, community inaugurates Temple Beth Shalom United Methodist Church.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:59:39 -0500{A81AF1AA-76AC-411B-8C5A-FD67E3F2458C}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-brings-aid-hope-to-tanganyikaThe United Methodist Church, with support from UMCOR and local resources, has provided food in the Tanganyika region, which has been challenged by devastating floods and the fallout from conflicts in eastern Congo. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:08:00 -0500{5317DA49-35C2-4EB3-81F3-99A15AD43BAD}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/how-does-the-church-lead-courageouslyIn a webinar, United Methodist leaders explored how the church can create space for churchgoers to bravely go wherever the Holy Spirit leads.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:01:41 -0500{B1B02234-458E-46A6-814B-72598D7F42ED}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/across-us-churches-plan-palm-sunday-protestsUnited Methodists are among the Christians helping to organize rallies and processions in at least 13 states that are intended to counter rising authoritarianism and greed with Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, care for the sick and welcome the stranger. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:32:16 -0500{2C2D61CD-4C7E-4EB3-A739-026C9051A628}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-smu-resolve-legal-disputeA United Methodist jurisdictional conference and Southern Methodist University have reached a settlement in a long-running lawsuit filed after the university’s board moved to alter its relationship with the denomination.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:44:39 -0500{FA63DD79-4C3E-4DC9-8D76-B1BE80A9F1C5}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/earthkeepers-promote-creation-care-in-the-philippinesFilipino United Methodists commit to leading environmental initiatives in their local churches following training by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:37:04 -0500{636DF0F8-1C1A-4068-8377-774D578A2EDA}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-merger-results-in-win-win-win-winIn North Carolina, United Methodists are making good things happen from an unhappy decline in membership in some of its churches. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:50:23 -0500{330E073B-5F64-464F-AAC8-91264E54A9B0}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-denounce-attacks-on-deaconess-drug-war-victimsA church commission has condemned the spread of AI-manipulated images and disinformation targeting people seeking justice for victims in the Philippine drug war.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:26:16 -0500{FB8BBBA3-28A1-46C7-957F-F5AEBA9FEFE1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-leaders-explore-future-of-jurisdictionsUnited Methodist leaders are considering a proposal to leave the existence of jurisdictions up to each of the newly created regional conferences, including the U.S. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:20:18 -0500{814A4173-FDCF-4592-8585-F17E6764356A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/when-fear-knocks-the-church-shows-upThis 12-minute documentary in both English and Spanish captures the lived reality of United Methodist congregations in Chicago navigating fear, loss and uncertainty amid increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:56:16 -0500{2080B305-E0D5-4AA3-9E45-BE69D1CFCDAE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-name-us-regional-conference-organizersThe newly named group is responsible for planning the first United Methodist assembly that will make decisions affecting only church members in the U.S. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:58:06 -0500{8F60163B-8469-4CD7-B62A-0E3D1E4720E6}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/probe-underway-of-pastor-who-worked-for-epsteinUnited Methodist leaders learned this week that an ordained elder from Missouri worked briefly as a property manager for the convicted sex offender.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:48:39 -0500{B6692584-12DF-44EF-9DE3-D8DDAFD581A0}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/minnesota-wisdom-council-lifts-all-voicesThe Minnesota Conference is taking a new approach to ensure that historically underrepresented groups have a say in conference leadership.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:14:19 -0500{0B12E998-877E-4E8C-B1D7-CA89E2079908}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-comes-next-after-faithful-resistance-marchAfter the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 rally, we now must do the work in the valley, writes John W. Coleman.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:17:14 -0500{5E165F64-7099-420B-B4D8-AED71037EE8B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/des-soins-prenatals-transforment-le-deuil-en-joie-pour-des-meres-congolaisesIn Congo, The United Methodist Church’s health program is restoring hope to women who had suffered repeated miscarriages.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:23:31 -0500{F84D7456-DD44-4FD2-84A1-6643F1EA8010}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/l-eglise-forme-des-jeunes-pour-promouvoir-la-paix-au-congo-estSupported by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the training aims to transform young people in eastern Congo into agents of peace in a region destabilized by war.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:17:54 -0500